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May 17, 2013 Multisport Canada Triathlon at Pittock Conservation Area, WoodstockPittock Conservation Area will soon be full of athletes for the Annual Woodstock Multisport Canada Triathlon. More than 300 athletes are coming to Woodstock from across Ontario and beyond to compete in this Multisport Canada series opener.
Staff at Pittock Conservation Area are very pleased to host this event. Brent Verscheure, Superintendent at Pittock Conservation Area, says, “Pittock is an ideal location to host large events for the region. We’re always interested in exploring options for hosting other community or regional events at this conservation area.” The Woodstock Triathlon is a motivating event to watch live! Here is your opportunity to see some of the best triathletes in Ontario competing in your own city. This is great opportunity to find out more about triathlons and healthy & active lifestyles. Contact: , Superintendent, Pittock Conservation Area
May 15, 2013 Experience Wildwood! Free Day at Wildwood Conservation Area!Wildwood Conservation Area in cooperation with Healthy Hikes wants you to step into nature and experience Wildwood for free on Saturday, May 25th. When: Saturday, May 25, 8 am – 8 pm (free day admission) Where: Wildwood Conservation Area What: Staff will give orientation sessions for Canoeing/Kayaking, Geocaching, and Biking and Hiking Trails
Conservation Ontario and Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities challenge you to spend time hiking in our province’s over 270 Conservation Areas and track your progress for a chance to win great prizes! Healthy Hikes will teach you about the ways our environment boosts your health and how you can energize your body and mind by Stepping into Nature. Wildwood Conservation Area is a wonderful regional attraction for outdoor enthusiasts. The 25 km Wildwood Lake Trail meanders around Wildwood Lake through lush forests and past vistas over the water. The trail is fantastic for geocaching, mountain biking and hiking. The 10 km long lake is ideal for paddling and boating. Come out and discover great outdoor adventure close to home. Contact: , Superintendent, Wildwood Conservation Area
May 15, 2013 Huge Firework Display at Fanshawe Conservation Area!Fanshawe Conservation Area and the Fanshawe Optimist Club will host a magnificent fireworks display over Fanshawe Lake on Victoria Day weekend! This is a fabulous way for the whole family to close the long weekend.
Staff at Fanshawe Conservation Area are very pleased to work with the Fanshawe Optimist Club in hosting the Victoria Day Fireworks. Steve Musclow, Superintendent of Fanshawe Conservation Area, says, “Fanshawe Conservation Area is an ideal location to host large scale events for the region. We’re always interested in exploring options for hosting other community or regional events here.” Steve also suggests coming out to the park early to step into nature. “Come out before the fireworks and enjoy a hike or bike on our trails, treat yourself to a picnic with a great view over the lake, rent a canoe or kayak and go for a paddle, or bring a lawn chair and book and enjoy the peace and quiet.” Other Long Weekend Notes
Contact: , Superintendent, Fanshawe Conservation Area
May 3, 2013 Communities for Nature - Rotary Clubs and Nature LondonThe Rotary Club of London West & Rotary Club of London South have joined with Nature London to help naturalize Mitches Park on Saturday, May 4th. Local scout groups will be helping to plant 260 trees in the park. The City of London is providing the site for naturalization and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is providing the trees and guidance for the project. The sponsors for the event are the Rotary Club of London West, Rotary Club of London South, and Nature London. Trees improve watershed health by filtering water, shading streams, and providing natural habitat. Saturday’s event will include several species of native trees and shrubs, including sugar maple, red maple, serviceberry, red osier dogwood, and nannyberry. Project Partners: Rotary Club of London West, Rotary Club of London South, Nature London, City of London, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, and local scout groups. Contact: , Marketing Specialist
May 1, 2013 20th Annual Avon River Tree Planting Day!Students from Stratford Central School are helping local community members along the Avon River on May 2. Four hundred seedling trees and 20 large hardwood trees are being planted along the creek. In 1992, the Upper Avon River Conservation Club set a goal of planting treed buffers along the Avon River and its tributaries. The club has used the 1952 Avon Valley Plan as a guide for their conservation activities. Members follow the theme of “Neighbours helping neighbours to improve the health of the Upper Avon River watershed.” During the past 20 years, more than 10,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted on over 30 different farms in the Upper Avon River watershed. These trees help improve the environment by shading streams, reducing wind and water erosion, filtering and taking up nutrients, providing habitat for birds, removing carbon from the atmosphere, and producing oxygen. The species planted include white spruce, white cedar, sugar maple, bitternut hickory, butternut, black cherry, crab apple, red oak, bur oak, basswood, nannyberry, serviceberry and dogwood. More than 1,000 volunteers have helped over the past 20 years. The main core of planters is drawn from friends and neighbours in the Upper Avon River watershed. In addition, others have been encouraged to come out and help. Participants have included the Meadowrun Fish and Game Club, Boy Scouts, Nature Roots, and students from North Easthope, Sprucedale, Hamlet and Stratford Central Secondary Schools. Contact: , Conservation Services Specialist April 25, 2013 Huge Stormwater Pond Naturalization ProjectThe Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is working with the City of Stratford on a large, multi-year project to naturalize several stormwater ponds along Lorne Avenue. This project is being launched as part of Green Week in Stratford. On April 26th, 100 students from Stratford Central and Shakespeare Public School will be planting 300 native trees and shrubs to naturalize the slopes around the stormwater ponds on Lorne Avenue. This day launches a multi-year naturalization project that will ultimately see thousands of native trees and wildlife shrubs planted around the ponds. The new stormwater pond naturalization work will:
This project is funded by the City of Stratford and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. The project partners are:
The Avon River watershed is one of 28 subwatersheds within the Upper Thames River watershed. The Avon watershed encompasses 16,790 ha (168 sq. km), which is 5% of Upper Thames River watershed. The Avon watershed includes portions of Perth East (86 sq. km), Perth South (57 sq. km) and Stratford (25 sq. km). Contact: , Community Education Specialist, or , Marketing Specialist April 16, 2013 Highlights of Earth Month 2013 in London
Contact: , Marketing Specialist April 15, 2013 Fanshawe, Pittock and Wildwood Conservation Areas Open for the SeasonFanshawe (London), Wildwood (St. Marys) and Pittock (Woodstock) Conservation Areas officially open on Friday, April 26th at 8:00 am. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority employs over 70 full time and seasonal staff to provide quality outdoor recreational opportunities in Southwestern Ontario. Our Conservation Areas are popular for camping, boating, biking, hiking, swimming, fishing and picnicking. An annual pass gives access to all three Conservation Areas! There are many special events planned for this season; stop by one of the Conservation Areas to pick up a visitor’s guide or visit our websites: For more information regarding our Conservation Areas please call:
Contact:
April 15, 2013> 12,000 Trees to be planted at CAMI Assembly in IngersollA 5 year project will create a new forest at CAMI Assembly. The project partners are General Motors of Canada and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, as well as hundreds of Oxford County student and community volunteers. The project site is CAMI Assembly in Ingersoll (Thomas Street between Ingersoll Street and Wallace Line). 12,000 native trees and shrubs will be planted over the next 5 years to create a new forest that will link two existing natural areas. This project will build upon a history of environmental projects at CAMI, including tree and prairie planting and bird box installations. The new forest will be planted on a retired agricultural field on the northwest corner of the CAMI property, and will include some innovative forest restoration techniques. The site of this new naturalization effort was chosen to provide linkages to the Charles Wilson Drain (wetland and woodlot on the northwest corner of the CAMI property) and Five Points Woods Wetland (west of Wallace Line). It is estimated that over 3,000 Oxford County students and community volunteers will be involved in the planting over the project’s 5 year implementation. ConContact: , Community Partnership Specialist (UTRCA), or , P.Eng., Senior Environmental Engineer (GMCL CAMI Assembly) April 11, 2013> UTRCA Flood Watch UpdateThe Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is continuing to monitor watershed conditions for potential flooding. The Upper Thames River watershed received 45 - 90 mm of rain so far this week, with 10 – 25 mm received in the last 12 hours, depending upon location. Forecasts vary from 20 - 40 mm of additional rainfall by Friday morning. If these forecasts materialize, potential areas that may flood in the late hours of tonight and into tomorrow include the following:
Minor localized flooding is occurring throughout the watershed and many low flood plain areas, including some park lands, are currently under water. People are reminded that stream banks are very slippery and that water will be fast-moving, cold and dangerous. People are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses. Fanshawe (London), Wildwood (St. Marys), and Pittock (Woodstock) Reservoirs are being operated to manage the higher flows and to reduce the potential for downstream flooding. See current Thames River flow and meteorological information. Definition of a Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare. Contact: , Marketing Specialist April 11, 2013> Earth Day London 2013All Londoners are invited to join us at Watson Street Park on Sunday, April 21st (the day before Official Earth Day!), 11:00 am - 3:00 pm for Earth Day London. We will be planting 1,500 trees and wildlife shrubs to help protect the Thames River corridor as it flows through London.
Earth Day London is made possible through the generous support of the many community volunteers that donate their time to help each year. This is the 20th year for the Earth Day London event. The focus is planting native trees and wildlife shrubs in the City of London. Volunteers help the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff naturalize London’s parks by planting trees and wildlife shrubs each year. The UTRCA will plant more than 70,000 trees over the next three weeks. The UTRCA has planted more than 10,000,000 trees since 1950. The Earth Day London event is located at Watson Street Park on Wellington Road, just south of the Thames River. Watch for the Earth Day London signs. Parking is available along both sides of South Street and at the end of Watson Street. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Admission is free through the generosity of Dillon Consulting, John Zubick Ltd, and the Community Environment Fund of Sobeys and Earth Day Canada. Earth Day Canada is the national coordinating body for Earth Week events, providing networking and resources to over 10,000 members. Contact: , Marketing Specialist
April 10, 2013 UTRCA Issues Flood WatchThe Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is monitoring watershed conditions for potential flooding this week. The Upper Thames River watershed received between 35 mm to 60 mm of rain so far this week. Forecasts vary from 35 mm to 100 mm of additional rainfall by Friday, with most forecasts predicting approximately 60 mm. If these forecasts materialize, potential areas for flooding include:
People are reminded that stream banks are very slippery and that water will be fast-moving, cold and dangerous. People are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses. Fanshawe (London), Wildwood (St. Marys), and Pittock (Woodstock) Reservoirs are being operated to manage the higher flows and to reduce the potential for downstream flooding. See current Thames River flow and meteorological information. Definition of a Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare. Contact: , Marketing Specialist April 9, 2013 UTRCA Issues Watershed Conditions Statement UpdateFlood Outlook & Water SafetyThe Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is monitoring watershed conditions for potential flooding this week. The Upper Thames River watershed received between 5 and 10 mm of rain yesterday and into the early hours of today. Environment Canada has issued a Rainfall Warning, predicting 50 to 80 mm of rainfall by Thursday in the London and Oxford County areas. Rain will be heavy at times, with isolated thunderstorms also expected. Other forecasts estimate totals ranging from 85 mm to 105 mm by the end of Friday. There is some uncertainty as to the form precipitation will take after Thursday, with a possibility of receiving snow or freezing rain, rather than rain. The UTRCA expects low lying areas that traditionally flood to be inundated beginning Thursday PM, and for water to remain high over the upcoming weekend. People are reminded that stream banks are very slippery and that water will be fast-moving, cold and dangerous. People are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses. Fanshawe (London), Wildwood (St. Marys), and Pittock (Woodstock) Reservoirs are being operated to manage the higher flows and to reduce the potential for downstream flooding. See current Thames River flow and meteorological information. Contact: , Marketing Specialist
April 8, 2013 UTRCA Issues Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood OutlookThe Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is monitoring watershed conditions for potential flooding this week. Rain and warm temperatures are predicted in the Upper Thames watershed through this week. Forecasts vary from a total of 70 mm – 100 mm of rain beginning today and ending on Friday. Water levels are expected to rise over the next few days, and low lying flood plain areas will be inundated. The severity of flooding will depend largely on the intensity of the rainfall, with a longer gentler rain producing less runoff, as opposed to short intense rain and or thundershowers producing significantly more. Fortunately, most of the snow in the watershed has already melted, and this will not be a factor in the upcoming event. People are reminded that stream banks are very slippery and that water will be fast-moving, cold and dangerous. People are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses and off frozen water bodies at this time. Fanshawe (London), Wildwood (St. Marys), and Pittock (Woodstock) Reservoirs are being operated to manage the higher flows and to reduce the potential for downstream flooding. See current Thames River flow and meteorological information. Contact: , Marketing Specialist April 2, 2013 70,000 Trees Planted in 3 Weeks!The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is preparing thousands of trees for spring planting. This year, more than 70,000 trees will be planted throughout the upper Thames River watershed. Tree delivery and planting begin this week! “We will continue our legacy of planting trees in both rural and urban areas. We have planted more than 10 million trees all across the watershed since 1950,” explained John Enright, the UTRCA’s Forester. “Our staff visited over 200 landowners last fall to organize planting plans and discuss conservation practises. To qualify for this program, landowners must own 1 hectare or more and plant at least 25 large stock trees or 100 seedlings.” Karen Pugh, UTRCA Resource Specialist, outlined the Community Forestry Program. “There are 35 planting events planned for Beachville, Dorchester, Ingersoll, London, St. Marys, Stratford, Thorndale, Woodstock and Zorra Township,” she said. “These events will involve over 4,400 students and community members planting nearly 10,000 native trees and shrubs.” Londoners can order a shade tree for their back yard through the online Tree Power London Program, while supplies last! The benefits of tree planting include:
UTRCA staff can also assist landowners with controlling soil erosion, managing woodlots, improving water quality and managing nutrients. Funding for some projects is also available through the Clean Water Program. Contact: , Forester, or , Resource Specialist March 25, 2013 Tree Power Program is Open!Online orders for Tree Power London are open! Visit www.treepowerprogram.ca to order your tree. Londoners love trees and the new online ordering system through Tree Power allows Londoners to get an early start to spring! Once online tree orders are complete, customers will receive an email that gives a location and options of dates and times for tree pick-up in April. The Tree Power Program invites Londoners to harness the power of trees by planting a native hardwood tree in their yard. London Hydro and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority provide quality native hardwood trees for Londoners at excellent prices. Six species of native hardwood trees are part of the Tree Power Program:
Planting a tree in your yard will benefit your home and community:
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has helped plant more than 10,000,000 trees. Contact: , Forester March 18, 2013 New Provincial Watershed Report Cards modeled after UTRCAOntario’s Conservation Authorities are releasing a new series of Watershed Report Cards in conjunction with World Water Week. The report cards provide a CHECK UP on the current state of many of Ontario’s watersheds in terms of lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater and forest conditions. “Conservation Authorities have been monitoring and assessing local conditions across Ontario for years,” said Dick Hibma, Chair of Conservation Ontario. “These report cards bring that information to the general public in a very user-friendly, informative way that we hope will help all of us make good decisions about how to protect important water and land resources we rely on every day.” The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) was the first to initiate watershed report cards in 2001. “It is great to see so many Conservation Authorities now following a similar approach,” said Karen Maaskant, Water Quality Specialist with the UTRCA. The report cards, which start rolling out March 18 at Conservation Ontario's website , look at how water and land resources are connected to each other and how our actions affect the health of those resources. “Watershed reporting helps to communicate baseline information on watershed health, identifies local and regional differences, and shows us where to target our efforts for the most impact,” said Mr. Hibma. We need healthy, resilient watersheds in order to adapt to changing global and local conditions, but challenges such as urbanization and climate change are having a significant impact. Monitoring and analyzing conditions is critical in order to identify changes in local watersheds, so we can protect these important resources. To find your local report card, please visit www.watershedcheckup.ca Contact: , Terrestrial Biologist, or , Water Quality Specialist March 14, 2013 Huge Children’s Water Festival Launches on World Water DayThe London-Middlesex Children’s Water Festival will be launched on Friday, March 22nd (World Water Day), at Fanshawe Conservation Area. Students from St. Bernadette Catholic School will be on hand to celebrate World Water Day, tour Fanshawe Dam and test some of the activity stations for the 2013 Festival. Members of the Festival Organizing Committee will also be on hand, including representatives from the City of London, Trojan UV, Middlesex-London Health Unit and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. Their job is to help invite 3,200 students from grades 2-5 to the Water Festival, which is a hands-on learning experience about the importance of water in their lives and in their communities. The London-Middlesex Children’s Water Festival opens on May 14th at Fanshawe Conservation Area and runs for four days. Students, their teachers and parent volunteers will learn all about water – how to conserve and protect it, people’s attitudes towards it, and how to apply new technology and science for the future. “We are excited to be bringing the Children’s Water Festival back to London,” said Linda Smith, Festival Coordinator. “We hope the Festival will awaken children’s connection to water and their role in finding innovative ways to conserve it and to adapt to climate change.” Contact: , Children's Water Festival Coordinator March 14, 2013 Upcoming Environmental Forums in PerthEveryone's invited to two free environmental forums in Perth County. St. Marys Forum - Woodlands, Windbreaks, Wildlife, Water & Weather
Contact: , Forester Stratford Forum – State of the Avon Watershed
Contact: , Community Education Specialist March 12, 2013 Water Levels Update - Conservation Authority Continues to Urge CautionThe Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) continues to urge people to stay away from streams and rivers as water levels remain high due to rain and melting snow. A major portion of the upper Thames River watershed’s snowpack has melted due to yesterday’s rain and warm temperatures. Watercourse flows in the upper parts of the watershed, including Mitchell, Stratford, St. Marys, Ingersoll and Woodstock, have now peaked and will gradually recede over the coming days. London will experience peak flows throughout today and tomorrow. Flows along the South Thames in London will be particularly high in traditional floodplain areas. The UTRCA reminds everyone that the water is high, cold, fast moving and dangerous and stream banks are slippery. Any ice remaining on ponds or reservoirs is not safe. Parents are reminded to keep children away from waterways throughout March Break. Fanshawe (London), Wildwood (St. Marys), and Pittock (Woodstock) Reservoirs are being operated to manage the higher flows and to reduce the potential for downstream flooding. See current Thames River flow and meteorological information. Contact: , Marketing Specialist March 11, 2013 Water Levels Rising this Week - Conservation Authority Urges CautionThe Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is urging people to stay away from streams and rivers as water levels rise due to rain and melting snow. A Colorado low is moving across southern Ontario. Approximately 20 mm of rain will fall today before temperatures return to freezing overnight. Snow pack across the watershed containing between 30 and 60 mm of additional water is melting quickly with the warm temperatures and rain. The UTRCA does not anticipate serious flooding, although water will spread outside of stream banks at low floodplain locations. The UTRCA will be monitoring the rainfall and snow melt closely today and into the week, and will provide further updates as required. Areas susceptible to flooding include:
The UTRCA reminds everyone that the water is high, fast moving and dangerous and stream banks are slippery. Any ice remaining on ponds or reservoirs is not safe. Parents are reminded to keep children away from waterways throughout March Break. The UTRCA's flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Pittock retain over 95% of flood control capacity. Wildwood Reservoir has begun its annual filling cycle, and retains over 60% of its capacity. See current Thames River flow and meteorological information. Contact: , Marketing Specialist |
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